Who is likely to develop shin splints?
The following factors can precipitate shin splints: • Poor conditioning • Running or walking on a hard surface • Running or walking on an uneven surface • Downhill running or walking • Lack of warm up exercises • Preexisting foot or arch problems including flat feet or tight heel cord musculature The unconditioned runner, typically early in the season, may overexert himself or herself. Overexertion causes the gastrocnemius muscles in the calves to tighten during the push-off phase of running. This creates an antagonistic muscle imbalance with the muscles in the front of the lower leg. This imbalance causes a stress reaction that results in an inflammatory reaction on the tibia, which is the large bone in the lower leg. These reactions cause the pain that is seen in shin splints. Running on asphalt or uneven surfaces or using inappropriate running shoes can aggravate the stress reaction. Dancers who have a significant amount of running in their routines may also sustain shin splints thr
